Low-Profile Catheter Hub Stabilization and Needle Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems pose risks of needle sticks and mechanical infections due to the need for repeated handling of exposed needle tips and the movement of catheter hubs, leading to potential transmission of blood-borne pathogens and catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile catheter hub with a needle safety assembly featuring a needle guard, flexible tube for fluid communication, and a wide-to-thin hub ratio design that stabilizes the catheter hub, reducing movement and providing secure needle handling and protection against accidental sticks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle tip remains exposed for handling during catheterization, then the healthcare worker can manipulate the needle and catheter, but the risk of accidental needle sticks and blood-borne pathogen transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard is pre-positioned in a retracted state that allows needle manipulation during catheterization. After insertion, the guard automatically or manually advances to cover the needle tip, eliminating the need for separate protective actions while maintaining operational ease during the critical insertion phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard is designed with dynamic movement capability, transitioning from a retracted position during insertion to an extended protective position after insertion. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt its protective function based on the operational phase, maintaining ease of use when needed while providing protection when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter hub is accessed repeatedly to connect instruments, then blood withdrawal and fluid administration can be performed, but the catheter hub and catheter move around causing mechanical infections
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible extension tube acts as an intermediary between the catheter hub and the external environment. It absorbs movement and stress from repeated instrument connections and disconnections, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the catheter hub and insertion site, thereby reducing mechanical infection risk while maintaining access versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible extension tube provides a compliant connection that can bend and move without transmitting mechanical stress to the catheter hub. This flexibility allows repeated instrument connections while isolating the insertion site from movement-induced trauma and infection risk.
3Ease of manufacture
If the catheter hub has a traditional profile, then it can be manufactured with standard dimensions, but it is more prone to movement and rolling at the insertion site
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter hub employs an asymmetric low-profile design with a flattened configuration rather than a symmetric cylindrical shape. This asymmetry increases the moment of inertia and reduces rolling tendency at the insertion site, improving stability while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for molded components.
Data Source
AI summary
Needle assemblies and related methods are disclosed. The needle assemblies can include a catheter hub and a catheter tube and wherein the catheter hub has a low profile to facilitate attaching the catheter hub to the skins of a patient.